chain length?

[meano_lover]

hi all-
i have a 97 m900, stock gearing, stage 2 jet kit, filter pods, and remus slip on canisters.
my question is, when i go to a 14-40 (stock is 15-38), how many links will i need? or should i just buy a 1xx length chain and break it to fit?
i'm really just too lazy to go out and count...
any help is appreciated! thanks!

[CDawg]

I could not help you, but
[threadjack]
Why 14-40?
[/threadjack]

[meano_lover]

from all the reading i've done, down one and up two is optimum gearing for my lil' monster. i really only cruise around town, i'm not a long trip rider (not yet, at least).  i'm not so much worried about mileage, i'm looking for ease of ride-ability. it's a little boggy when leaving at stop lights.

[CDawg]

Not sure about specifically the 97, but most folks seems to just go down one to 14.  It may be cheaper and easier to do that first.  By only going down one in the front sprocket, I don't know if you even need to change the chain length or if you can snug it up with the rear wheel axel adjustment...perhaps someone more knowledgeable than me could chime in.

[meano_lover]

indeed, you can just snug up the axle adjuster with only a 14t. we did it on my friends '95. it rides better, but not great. i'm looking for a bit more on bottom end. hence- 14 & 40

[CDawg]

Ah!  Got it.  Good luck!
[/threadjack]

[ScottRNelson]

The stock sprockets on the 1997 M900, according to the owner's manual and also on the one that I owned (purchased new) was 15/39.  They might have put a 38 rear on some of them though.  Personally, I thought 15/41 was optimal, so 14/40 might be a little on the low side, although I also tried 14/39, so it's not that different.

The correct chain length for 14/40 should be 100 links, although you could also make 98 work.

When I put on a chain, I get one that is longer than is needed, set the rear axle right in the middle of the adjustment range, then put the chain in place and figure out where to go from there.  I don't even bother counting the links, I just cut it to fit.  If it comes out right when the axle is in the middle, great.  If not, you have to decide if you want to go with fewer links and slide the axle forward a little bit or go with more links and move it back a little.  There is only 5/8" difference in axle position when you have a two-link difference in chain length.

Moving more forward makes for easier wheelies and quicker steering.  Moving the axle back makes for a more stable bike.  I'm thinking that you shouldn't have much trouble with wheelies with your gearing.

[meano_lover]

thanks scott!